what was michelle going to wear? >> abc's deborah roberts has more. ♪ >> reporter: there they were, dancing their first dance. her in a gown millions of women will soon have to have. michelle obama dazzled in a navy blue coat by little known american thom browne. who only learned his design was chosen when he saw it. >> i know she had a lot of other people that she could have chosen from, and to be the one that she chose is one of those amazingly humbling experiences. >> reporter: browne, best known for men's, not lady's wear, could benefit from the first lady's midas touch. >> any time mrs. obama wears one of your designs, a fashion designer ascends. it's a phenomenal career maker. j. crew made that belt and purple gloves she wore with the coat. so rest assured that the phone will be ringing off the hook. style watchers say michelle obama seems so accessible, american women just want to look like her. deborah roberts, abc news, washington. >> that really is an amazing stat, if you think about it. that she could ha